Should Gerrard return as a non-playing member of the Anfield staff, which seems at least a medium-term certainty, the Liverpool hierarchy will need to be mindful that his role, whatever it may be, doesn't prove a hinderance to Klopp's existing plans and ideas.

Gerrard is so adored by those whose passion is Liverpool FC. In their eyes, he is the best player in the world - although this is diluted by the fact that few others have even come close to matching his high standards, whether through ability or, on occasion, loyalty.

Steven Gerrard is a student of the game. He took in everything that could help him become a better player. Like all the great players, he had class and he wanted to learn more and more every day and work at his game. He was the first to give his all, no matter whether it was in training or a match. He's a totally committed leader with superb technique and an exceptional amount of mental and physical energy. It was a pleasure to coach a player like that. There are three words that describe him: classy, combative, captain.

The root of the problem is attitude. Steven Gerrard told the ​Guardian that Chelsea's reaction was merely "normal". He said: "It's normal at that level. Players want to win so much, managers want to win so much, and they'll try every trick in the book." Is that not the most worrying aspect of all?

The way Liverpool are headed at the moment, it's entirely possible that they'll be left to scrap it out with Manchester United for the last place in the top six, which would be a rather painful comedown after their title challenge last season.

What is it about rock stars that won't make them quit while they're ahead? ... I mean, just think of some of the more hedonistic behaviour - eating bats (Ozzy Osbourne), the shark episode (Led Zepellin), urinating on the Alamo (Osbourne again) - if any of them behaved like that in a nursing home then they'd be dosed up and diagnosed with senile dementia.

Last season they came in under the radar, with very few people talking them up as title contenders until relatively late in the season. When they finally bashed the door down and sat atop the Premier League table, the players seemed to see everyone looking at them, panicked and promptly fell.

Steven Gerrard announced his international retirement to a chorus of fans and experts claiming he did the right thing, but why is it left to players to make the call? After captaining England at their most disappointing World Cup, Gerrard has opted to call time on his international career, just as he was expected to do.